SAULT STE. MARIE — A large obelisk erected in 1907 at a historic Native American burial site in Sault Ste. Marie is being removed following decades of advocacy from tribal communities.
Per an Oct. 16 news release, the monument, which stood in Brady Park, was originally placed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Soo Locks without tribal consultation. For years, local tribal members have called for its removal, citing the site’s cultural and spiritual importance.
In June, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers opened a 30-day public comment period to gather feedback on the obelisk’s future. The decision to remove it came after consultations with federally recognized tribes who continue to use the site for cultural and religious practices.
“In June of 1820, during treaty negotiations at Sault Ste. Marie, our grandfather, Crane Clan Chief of the Great Lakes, Shingabowaasin, made it clear to the United States that our ancient burial ground, Wudjiwong, must be protected,” said Bay Mills Ojibwe History Department Historian Paula Carrick. “He insisted that its protection be written into the treaty, recognizing even then—205 years ago—that this land held the remains and the spirit of our people since time immemorial.”
Carrick said the removal marks a long-awaited moment of fulfillment and healing for tribal communities. “For decades, we have sought to have the obelisk removed from this sacred place,” she said. “Today, we feel a deep sense of fulfillment and gratitude to finally be able to witness this moment.”
The removal is being conducted under a Memorandum of Agreement developed in consultation with federally recognized tribes, the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office, and the National Park Service.
The agreement was formed through Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, which requires federal agencies to consider impacts to historic properties.
“The removal of the obelisk represents a meaningful example of how federal agencies and Tribal Nations can work together through the Section 106 process to right historical wrongs,” said Bay Mills Indian Community President Whitney Gravelle. “This is not just the removal of a monument, but the recognition of tribal sovereignty and the enduring responsibility to protect our sacred places.”